Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle Hilton...I hope...Are my Ideas sound ones?

[Scott Sherlock]

Ok this is what I want to do...

I have two turtles. one about 4-41/2 " and one 3". they are current ly in a 10 gallon tank... Yes I know thats too small... and there is no excuse for it... I'm trying to remedy it but i don't want to have to do it again for a little while.

My Plans. I want to take a piece of Plywood, about 4' square. cut a hole for a 20 - 30 gallon tank (for swimming) and another to hold a rubbermaid tub big enough for a feeding area. also have the remaining area available for basking and such.

Am I thinking too small...Probably. but I want to do whats best for the turtles with minimum impact on family budget. Let me know what you all think.

[cam722]

if you don't wish to be upgrading often, you're starting out with too small of an upgrade. With the current size of your turtles, you need at least a 75 gallon tank. I think your intentions are good but you also seem to be spending money on things that aren't necessary, like the ply wood. What would be the purpose of that? As for a feeding container, you can use a small rubbermaid container then just put them in it when you wish to feed them, it's not something that the turtle can get into from it's regular tank. At least I'm pretty sure that's not how most people feed their turtles. So my suggestion is, buy a larger tank, forget the wood (it should make up the difference in cost) and just use a portable container for feeding if you wish. Also, something to keep in mind, with a larger tank, you'll need a larger filter and heater. BUT, once you upgrade you won't have to do it for awhile.. unlike if you get a 20-30 gallon tank.

[missibsu]

When you do upgrade you can just use your 10 gallon for feeding and wouldn't even have to buy the rubbermaid container. I agree with Carol. Don't waste your money on unneeded materials and put it towards a new set-up. Think BIG and watch the classified ads. There is also a website, but I can't think of the name of it, where you can search of used items. Ask Elliot, he knows. I recently purchased a 75 gallon, stand, and Fluval 304 filter for 180 bucks. So, there are deals to be had!

[cam722]

You can try these...

http://www.craigslist.org

or

http://freecycle.org

[missibsu]

Thank you Carol, craiglist is what I couldn't think of!